<h2 class="content-title">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>
What is SkyOS
The Sky Operating System, or SkyOS, is an operating system written for x86-based personal computers. SkyOS was created in 1996 by Robert Szeleney as a small bootloader. In the past 8 years, SkyOS has evolved into a full-featured, modern operating system, with a goal to be the easiest to use desktop operating system available for the average computer user. The development staff has also increased to include business, software, and graphics developers.
Is SkyOS a Linux distribution? Is SkyOS a *nix? Is SkyOS BeOS?
No, no, and no. SkyOS is an operating system written from scratch. It isn’t based on any other operating system.
But SkyOS uses the same icons as KDE for Linux. Does this make it Linux?
No. This is the Crystal icon pack created by the very talented Everaldo, used in SkyOS with his blessing. This icon set is also used by KDE for Linux, which is why the icon sets look similar.
Does SkyOS use X Server, XFree86 or another X system?
SkyOS uses its own GUI system called "SkyGI", which is integrated into the kernel. This system has nothing to do with X or XFree86, and is not based on either of these systems or their forks.
Is SkyOS a commercial operating system?
Yes. As of SkyOS 5.0, SkyOS will be a commercial operating system.
Is SkyOS open-source?
No. SkyOS is a closed-source operating system.
Does SkyOS use GPL'd code?
No. SkyOS uses no GPL'd code in the kernel/system.
Is SkyOS POSIX compliant?
Yes, SkyOS is highly (but not 100%) POSIX compatible. Porting applications from POSIX operating systems is an easy task.
I can't find a download link! Where can I download SkyOS?
You cannot download SkyOS. Version 5.0 is currently under development, and only by purchasing a beta tester membership will you be able to access the beta version. Older versions of SkyOS have been taken offline because they did not represent the current state of the OS.
How much does SkyOS cost?
As of right now, there is no version available for sale. SkyOS v5.0 is in beta phase, and joining the beta-testing team costs $30 USD. As a member of the beta team, you have access to the following:
- All of the betas and release candidates before v5.0 final is released;
- Access to the special beta forum;
- A copy of 5.0 final when it is released. You can sign up here
When will SkyOS 5.0 final be released?
There is not a set date yet. We are currently aiming to release SkyOS 5.0 sometime between Q3 and Q4 of 2006, though this is not set in stone.
What is the SkyOS business model / roadmap?
We hope to build SkyOS as an operating system, and as a business, over a few stages.
The first stage was the "hobby" aera of SkyOS. This would be considered SkyOS 1.0 through 4.9. This was the stage in which all the underlying parts of SkyOS were developed, and led up to just before development on SkyOS 5.0 began. During this time, major overhauls of systems began, a completely new interface was created, and hundreds of bugs and features were taken care of.
The second stage of SkyOS will be approached with the average home desktop user in mind. This will be when SkyOS 5.0 (temporary name) is available. SkyOS will aim at being an alternative for people looking for a fast, stable, inexpensive, and most of all, user-friendly desktop experience. SkyOS will be a great platform for all the standard desktop tasks, such as web browsing, e-mail, chat, word processing, music, videos, simple games, and more. SkyOS 5.0 will also be a very suitable environment for software developers wishing to develop for the SkyOS platform.
In the last stage of the current roadmap, SkyOS will expand to new horizons, and will hopefully include more support for 3D gaming, advanced multimedia and software development, and many other computing tasks. At this time, we will also begin looking at the possibility of developing a "Server" version of SkyOS.
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